During a preliminary hearing on Thursday, the clothing worn by Celeste Rivas at the time of her murder was displayed, with her parents in attendance.
LAPD criminalist Lisa Lahendro testified in court regarding the case against singer D4vd, whose real name is David Burke. He stands accused of the young girl’s murder.
Lahendro presented photographs of the clothing found with Rivas’ body, which included a Victoria’s Secret thong, leggings, and a Forever 21 tube top. She described the items as “heavily soiled,” infested with insects, and having “a very strong smell,” indicating they were in poor condition.
She added that the clothing was extremely wet. Investigators later reportedly found black fabric in a trash bag in Burke’s garage that matched Rivas’ clothing.
The hearing commenced on Tuesday with the court displaying graphic images of Rivas’ decapitated and mutilated body, causing distress to her family.
The photos revealed the dismembered state of the victim, with arms and legs in a trash bag, a head and torso in a body bag, and severed hands missing fingers.
An LAPD homicide detective testified, “The trunk was open, and there was a partially unzipped body bag with torso and head,” noting that some extremities were absent at that time.
The court has been presented with significant testimony from law enforcement and forensic experts over the first two days.
On Wednesday, LAPD Criminalist Chelsea Murillo testified about inspecting the Tesla where Rivas’ body was discovered. Although the body had already been removed, a strong odor similar to decomposition was noted in the vehicle.
Murillo reported finding “at least 11” air fresheners in the car, some in the center console and trunk.
Another LAPD criminalist, Lauren Wallace, inspected D4vd’s Hollywood Hills mansion on September 17, 2025, following Burke’s arrest. She discovered evidence of blood on brick floors beneath mats in the garage, suggesting it might have leaked through.
It was also revealed on Wednesday that D4vd continued to earn from his music contract after allegedly murdering Rivas in April 2025.
Lewis Poimiroo, senior vice president of finance for Interscope Records, testified that D4vd earned $2.77 million in that year.
Details about the singer’s financial gains, tied to his Interscope deal, were unpacked in the courtroom. Testimony indicated that D4vd made at least 2.7 million during the year of the alleged crime.
Burke faces charges of first-degree murder under special circumstances — lying in wait, murdering a witness, and murder for financial gain.
He is also charged with lewd and lascivious acts with a minor under 14 years old and mutilating human remains.
Legal documents from The California Post revealed that D4vd arranged for an Uber to transport Rivas from her Lake Elsinore home to his Hollywood Hills residence on April 23, 2025.
Prosecutors allege he stabbed her and watched as she bled to death.
The preliminary hearing, expected to last three to five days, will determine whether Burke will face a trial, potentially scheduled for next year.
